Portland bows to no other city in the U.S. when it comes to bicycling, so it was no surprise that cyclists quickly erupted in anger Friday when they heard about a bill in the Oregon Legislature that would levy a $54 registration fee on adult bikes every two years.

The bikeportland.org blog quickly generated dozens of comments from cyclists complaining that the proposed tax seemed punitive. Many fretted that the tab would quickly add up given the number of bikes in their garage. The "intention is exactly to discourage and kill cycling," one commenter said.

Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach, one of the chief sponsors of House Bill 3008, argued that cyclists should share in the cost of bike paths, bike lanes and other facilities that encourage cycling.

"I don't feel it's the responsibility of motor vehicle operators on the highway to carry 100 percent of that burden," he said.

However, Krieger added that he doubted the bill would go far in this session given the difficult economic times. "With everybody struggling, I don't know if it's right to raise anything right now," he said, adding that it should be seriously considered when the economy improves.

Rep. Terry Beyer, D-Springfield, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, also cast doubt on the bill. She said bicycle registration bills tend to cost as much in administration as they raise, making them a questionable proposition.